tecla-e and ATOM Head Array: Closing the Gap

Closing the Gap is holding its 36th annual conference in Minneapolis that brings together end users, teachers, clinicians, consultants, and assistive technology developers like Tecla! We've been attending Closing the Gap's annual conference since 2012 and leave every year with more knowledge and new relationships with passionate therapists, teachers, and consultants who we work hard to help guide through their journeys with Tecla devices.

There are many reasons why we attend Closing the Gap, from meeting enthusiastic Tecla users to reuniting with our partners, but one of the key aspects that sets Closing the Gap apart from other assistive technology conferences is its incredible lineup of speakers. Closing the Gap attracts industry leaders with decades of experience in all areas of assistive technology for the blind and deaf and for those with mobility and cognitive impairments. This year, we are lucky enough to be included in one of the presentations that will be run by three outstanding professionals and will demonstrate how tecla-e and ATOM Head Array work together. tecla-e connects wirelessly to the ATOM Head Array, so users can switch between driving their wheelchair to interacting with their smart devices, hands-free!

Here is a description of the presentation at Closing the Gap 2018:

“Now Everyone Can Play” Newest Bluetooth Accessibility to the iPad for all Students, Especially Those with Complex Bodies, Using tecla-e and the ATOM Head Array, with Apple’s Accessibility Recipes – Two Block Session

Date and Time:

• September 27, 2018 - 8:00 am – 10:30 am

Presenters:

• Karen Kangas, Occupational Therapist; Seating, Positioning, and Mobility Specialist, Assistive Technology Specialist, Adjunct University Faculty, Clinical Educator, Consultant

• Lisa Rotelli, Director, Education Coordinator at Adaptive Switch Labratories, Inc.

• Michele Bishop, Teacher, ATP

Description:

"How is the iPad organized? How do we create recipes for our students with complex bodies to use the iPad? How do we configure the system to really work in multiple apps, not just single switch access ones? How to teach its use? How do we create navigational pathways for ease of use? This session will demonstrate how the ATOM head array and Tecla e can access the iPad and its many apps for our students with complex bodies. In this session, these products will be used as we also explore how to configure navigational issues on the iPad."

Tecla will be joining Adaptive Switch Laboratories at an interactive booth which will showcase tecla-e and demonstrates how you can use the switch interface to control multiple Bluetooth-enabled devices and trigger smart home technology through ability switches and wheelchair driving controls. If you're attending Closing the Gap 2018, come by and say hello to CEO and Co-founder, Mauricio Meza, at the ASL booth! We'd love to hear your story.